Blood donors from the Richmond Ismaili Muslim community took part in a two-week blood drive that coincided with National Blood Donor week last week.
As physical distancing places restrictions on how blood can be collected and hospitals opening up for more procedures, Canadian Blood Services (CBS) is urging donors to make appointments to donate.
The Canadian Ismaili Community signed a memorandum of understanding with CBS in 2016 to raise awareness for the need for blood and blood products and their blood drive is an annual event.
“We need thousands of new donors every year so, we greatly appreciate the generosity and commitment of members of the Ismaili Muslim community,” said Gord Kerr, a director at CBS.
“By helping us to fill every available appointment, together we can meet the rising needs of patients across Canada.”
At the beginning of the pandemic, from mid-March to the end of April, CBS recorded a 20-per-cent increase in first-time donors.
But now the need for blood is rising as hospitals resume procedures that were postponed to make room at hospitals for COVID-19 patients, explained CBS spokesperson Marcelo Dominguez.
Furthermore, because of the need for physical distancing, there are more constraints on the collection of blood, he added.
“Right now, we need donors to fill every available appointment in the next few weeks and months to help maintain an adequate level of blood products for patients,” Dominguez explained.
CBS has added more appointment slots at various donor centres.
Dominguez explained they’ve upped their routine cleaning, infection control and screening practices at all donor centres. Also, walk-in appointments have been cancelled — donors have to book online, answer COVID-19-related questions and wear masks when they come in.
To make an appointment to donate blood, go to blood.ca or call 1 888 2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283).
